Surreal and Sensational Canadian Premiere of
—Viva MOMIX—
Legendary American dance company, MOMIX, distills “Best of” Program highlighting
impossible visions from three decades of dance inventions
DanceHouse presents MOMIX (US), an astounding company of ‘dance-illusionists’, in the Canadian premiere of Viva MOMIX, on stage April 12 & 13, 2019 at 8pm at the Vancouver Playhouse. Helmed by Artistic Director Moses Pendleton, one of America’s most innovative choreographers and directors, MOMIX is revered for its ability to conjure a surreal world using props, light, shadow, humour, and the human body. Viva MOMIX celebrates the best of more than three decades of works, with a selection of company favourites mixed with three new creations.
“Vancouver dance lovers will undoubtedly be blown away by this beguiling tour de force of illusion, beauty, and magic,” says Jim Smith, Artistic and Executive Director of DanceHouse. “Viva Momix is a collection of Pendleton’s most unforgettable works. It is a masterpiece of ingenious theatrical creativity, combining superb physicality, whimsical costumes, and stunning music. I can think of no better way to close our 2018/19 season than with this evening of unforgettable beauty and pure unadulterated enjoyment for all ages.”
Developed in 2015 in honour of MOMIX’s 35th anniversary season, Viva MOMIX features stunning vignettes from six of their iconic productions: MOMIX in Orbit, Botanica, Lunar Sea, ReMIX, Classics, and Opus Cactus, alongside scenes from three new works created for the company’s birthday celebration at Teatro Nazionale in Milan, Italy — Daddy Long Leg, Light Reigns, and Paper Trails. Praised for its “beguiling, eye-filling, and impressive visual and movement theatrics” (The Wall Street Journal), Viva MOMIX will transport audiences on a journey into a surreal fantasy. Elements of the natural world — animal, plant, and mineral — are transmuted through the technical prowess of nine gifted artists who shape their bodies into creations that suspend the rational mind and replace it with wonder and a glorious sense of play.
In addition to their live performances, MOMIX has made a variety of film and television appearances and has been broadcast in 55 countries. The company has appeared in a national commercial for Hanes underwear; a Target commercial that premiered during the airing of the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards; PBS’s Dance in America series; IMAGINE, one of the first 3D IMAX films to be released in IMAX theatres world-wide; and Hommage à Picasso in Paris, where the company was selected to represent the US at the European Cultural Centre at Delphi.
A native of Vermont, Pendleton is one of the most well-respected and widely performed choreographers in the world. After co-founding the ground-breaking Pilobilus Dance Theatre in 1971, he began his own company, MOMIX in 1980. Pendleton gained international acclaim for performing in and serving as principal choreographer for the Paris Opera’s 1979 production of Integrale Erik Satie, and as the choreographer for the Closing Ceremonies for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. Pendleton’s inventive illusionistic choreography has been highly sought-after by prominent companies such as Joffrey Ballet, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and La Scala. He has also collaborated with notable artists such as Prince, Julian Lennon, and Cathy Dennis, among others. His contributions to the world of dance, film, and television have garnered numerous prestigious awards including the Connecticut Commission on the Arts Governor’s Award (1998), the Positano Choreographic Award (1999), American Choreography Award for film and television (2002), and an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia (2010).
For tickets and further information, visit: dancehouse.ca
Production Sponsor:
About DanceHouse (dancehouse.ca)
DanceHouse connects Vancouver audiences and the local arts community to the international world of dance by presenting exceptional companies that are recognized for their excellence, innovation, and international reputation. Since 2008, DanceHouse has presented vibrant and inspiring companies from Canada and around the world. In addition to the performances on stage, DanceHouse offers a suite of engagement opportunities and a chance for the general public and local artistic community to engage with the presented artists and their work.
About Odlum Brown (odlumbrown.com)
This year, Odlum Brown Limited celebrates its 96th year as an independent, full-service investment firm providing disciplined investment advice and objective research with a singular focus on clients. Nationally, Odlum Brown is distinguished as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, an honour that has remained with the firm for 19 years, and one of Canada’s Most AdmiredTM Corporate Cultures.
| LISTING INFORMATION | DanceHouse presents MOMIX: Viva MOMIX |
| Date: | April 12 & 13, 2019 at 8pm Speaking of Dance Pre-show Talk at 7:15pm |
| Ticket prices: | From $35 |
| Address: | Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC |
| Box Office: | tickets.dancehouse.ca or call 604.801.6225 |
| Website: | dancehouse.ca |
Media release and image provided by Sarah Ghosh, Murray Paterson Marketing Group. Feature image Dancers of MOMIX in Viva MOMIX. Photo by Charles Paul Azzopardi
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